Mount Abora Koggelbos Chenin Blanc 2012

The Mount Abora Chenin Blanc 2011 was among my “Top 12 Wines of the Year” in 2012 – idiosyncratic but wonderfully so. This Swartland label with vinfication by Johan Meyer and brand custodianship by marverick wine marketer Krige Visser has now “conglomerated” with the garagiste Hermit on the Hill label of Pieter de Waal and a tasting of new releases was held recently:

Mount Abora Koggelbos Chenin Blanc 2012
Price: R95
Spontaneous fermentation, approximately 25% whole bunch. Matured for 12 months in old 500-litre barrels and then a further seven months in tank. An intellectually demanding wine – even less “by the book” than 2011 by the winemaker’s own admission. A complex nose showing peach, honey and some floral character. Super-intense with bright acidity. Distinct oxidative notes plus a slightly phenolic finish make it less readily likeable than the 2011 but it’s a wine which deserves contemplation.

2 COMMENTS

I just had a very quick taste of the 2012 Koggelbos, but what I liked about it is that – for me – it very much resembles the 2011 in character. It’s different from other Chenins that’s made in relatively similar fashion. The kind of wine that, after you’ve tasted/drank it a few times, gives you a fighting chance to spot it in a blind tasting. I like.